Text: Edgar Allan Poe to Edward Everett — June 7, 1836 (LTR-068a)

Richmond
June 7. 1836.

Dr Sir,

At the request of Mr T. W. White, proprietor of the “Southern Literary Messenger” I take the liberty of addressing you, and of soliciting some little contribution for our Journal. I am aware that your time is occupied with more serious matters, and that you are frequently pestered with similar applications. I am, therefore, ready to believe that I have very little chance of success in this attempt to engage you in our interest. Yet I owe it to the Magazine to make the effort.

One consideration will, I think, have its influence with you. Our publication is the first successful literary attempt of Virginia, and has now been, for eighteen months, forcing its way, unaided, and against a host of difficulties, into the public view and attention.

We wish to strike, if possible, a bold stroke — to issue, as soon as may be, a number of the Journal consisting altogether of articles from distinguished Americans whose names may give weight and character to the work. To aid us in this attempt would cost you no effort, as any spare scrap in your portfolio would answer our main purpose. To us such aid would be invaluable.

With the highest respect

Yr. Ob. St
Edgar A. Poe